Heart Healthy Habits!

8 Great Ways You Can Help Protect Your Heart!
Think keeping your heart healthy has to take a lot of extra effort? It doesn't. Adopting some simple healthy habits and having regular checkups can keep your heart in better condition.

In the May 29, 2011 post called Heart To Heart, there is extensive heart health information. The information that I will share with you here is from Methodist Hospital's health magazine. It is some good ideas that are simple, common sense things to do to help your heart stay a little healthier.

1. Brush and floss your teeth!
Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease, (most likely from bacteria in the mouth getting into the bloodstream and affecting the heart). Brush and floss every day and see your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. [ if you live in the Greater Houston Area, I recommend Dr. William P. Glaros, a Biological Dentist that pays attention to how your over all health influences your dental health]
I personally use the essential oil Thieves Oil and related products like Thieves mouth wash, Thieves dental floss, Thieves toothpaste. I keep my tooth brush covered, and disinfect it with Thieves oil & water before and after I use it.
To order Thieves Oil and related products, contact Pat Blasingame: pat.blasingame@yahoo.com or call 713-453-1117.

2. Hide the salt shaker!
Cutting back on salt reduces the chance of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends that healthy adults consume less than 2,300 milligrams of salt a day (about one teaspoon). Take note of sodium content in foods such as canned soup and frozen meals and choose reduced sodium options. Of course a raw fruit & vegetable lunch without dressings would cut that salt intake down considerably. What that might look like is a plate with a handfull of carrot sticks, a handfull of celery sticks, a handfull of grape tomatoes or any veggie slices that you like along with some apple slices. Have some crackers that are especially for weight loss are nice and crunchy and give you a satisfied feeling.

3. Laugh; and laugh often!
Laughter and a sense of humor may help protect against heart attack, according to a study by cardiologists at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. Mental stress - including laughing less and displaying anger and hostility - may contribute to fat and cholesterol build -up in the coronary arteries that can lead to heart attack. Read a funny book, or watch a funny TV show, (funniest home videos) take a walk with a good friend who makes you laugh. Memorize positive, uplifting verses; the Bible has some wonderful positive things to think on.

4. Enjoy a piece of chocolate!
I can certainly handle that one! It's important to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to protect your heart but indulging in a small square of chocolate a day (about 0.3 ounces) may help lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease risk too; according to a study published in the European Heart Journal. Be sure to choose bittersweet very dark chocolate.

5. Change your TV viewing routine!
Sitting on the couch for long periods of time doesn't do your heart any favors. Entertain your heart while watching your favorite shows by lifting hand weights, doing lunges and leg lifts or stretching out with some yoga poses. Even better - work out for at least 30 minutes each day (walking, cycling, aerobics, etc. ) and then reward yourself with TV viewing on the couch! But of course check with your health professional to make sure exercise is ok for you at this time.

6. Don't smoke!
You've probably heard this one before, but it bears repeating. Smoking or using other tobacco products is one of the top risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease. Talk with your health professional about options to help you quit if you smoke.


7. Get your Zzzzzs!
Getting enough sleep is important for a healthy heart - aim for seven to nine hours each night. If you suffer from sleep apnea (waking up several times during the night and gasping for breath), it's important to seek help from a health professional and get some answers. Several studies have linked sleep apnea with heart problems. Most likely because the same bad health that causes heart problems also causes sleep apnea and creates a cycle. Many people have seen their sleep problems go away when they changed to a better diet and life style.

At Healthy Rewards we have some non-invasive ways to help you know what's going on with your health. The Digital Pulsewave Analyzer, (DPA) gives you a print out of the entire cardiovascular system and what kind of condition it is in, and it takes one minute to do that. We also have the MRBA which gives the results of over 100 categories, like heavy metals, vitamin/mineral deficiencies, bone density, cholesterol & triglycerides, hormonal, emotional, just to name a few. It takes less than a minute. And you get to see the results printed out while you wait. So come by and see us at 1224 Holland Ave, Jacinto City, Texas 77029. To make an appointment call 713-453-8274 and ask for Gene Blasingame. We also have some wonderful supplements that are excellent for heart health! The Cardio Cocktail is such a supplement because of the proper amounts of arginine that the body converts to Nitric Oxide which in turn does an amazing job of repairing the arteries and reducing plaque!

Quiz Time! (Methodist Hospital Magazine)
1. Which proverb is better to remember when someone does something you don't agree with?

a. You can't control what other people do. You can only control how your respond.
b. You can't control what other people do. You can only control how well you get even!
Answer: Letting go of hostility and reducing stress can help you live longer and happier. Women who are habitually optimistic are 30 percent less likely to die from heart disease, according to a new Women's Health Initiative study!

2. A Friday night movie can be a great way to de-stress after a long week. Which movie genre is an award-winner for heart health?

a. Heart-wrenching drama
b. Action-packed thriller
c. Knee-slapping comedy
Answer: Sad or intense movies have a negative effect on blood flow, according to a study published in the medical journal Heart. Funny movies have a positive effect on blood flow similar to that of aerobic exercise.

3. Saturday mornings are perfect for:

a. Cleaning the house
b. Finishing the work you brought home with you.
c. Sleeping in
Answer: People who don't get enough sleep are more likely than those who do to develop heart disease, according to a 2008 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. One hour or more of sleep per night helped decrease the odds of developing calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. You can't "catch up" but an extra hour or an afternoon nap, can work wonders.

4. You want to get something special, heart healthy and unique for your Valentine this year. How about a :

a. Box of chocolates
b. Bottle of wine
c. Potato
Answer: Potato because of its potassium nutrients that can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and keep fat down.

Ok I laughed out loud at this one. I can just see a guy standing there offering a cooked potato to the love of his life as a token of his undying love! ....... RIGHT! Of course the potato would be a healthier food choice but let me add my own choice for a valentine gift. There is nothing I like better than a boquet of fresh flowers! They make me smile; and that's good for your heart!!

5. Who is Juan Mann?

a. Inventor of the first artificial heart.
b. Free Hugs campaign founder.
c. A popular natural foods chef.

Answer: Juan Mann gained recognition after appearing on "The Oprah Winfre Show" for giving free hugs to people in public places. Researchers attribute the feeling of well-being inspired by hugs to the hormone oxytocin, which can lower heart rate and blood pressure. Cuddling with your pet can create similar soothing effects.